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  • Midge Ure Announces New Album ‘A Man Of Two Worlds’ — Out May 8
  • INTERVIEW: Elles Bailey on the Story Behind ‘Can’t Take My Story Away’
  • Alison Moyet to Play Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on November 3rd 2026
  • Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
  • Nerina Pallot Announces Biggest Ever Headline Show at Royal Albert Hall to Celebrate 25 Years of Music
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  • News
        • Midge Ure
          News

          Midge Ure Announces New Album ‘A Man Of Two Worlds’ — Out May 8

          March 10, 2026

          Today (10 March), acclaimed musician, producer, and songwriter Midge Ure announces his new album A Man Of Two Worlds, due for release on 8 May. In recent years Midge Ure has spent his time playing live, and not […]

          Alison Moyet
          News

          Alison Moyet to Play Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on November 3rd 2026

          March 9, 2026

          After 2024’s ‘Key’ album prompted a rediscovery of her solo catalogue and her first Top 10 chart position in eleven years, Alison Moyet now announces details of a unique UK and European headline tour which […]

          Nerina Pallot
          News

          Nerina Pallot Announces Biggest Ever Headline Show at Royal Albert Hall to Celebrate 25 Years of Music

          March 6, 2026

          The BRIT and Ivor Novello nominee Nerina Pallot is in the midst of an organic resurgence. Building a powerful personal connection directly with fans led to her selling out the London Palladium in 2024 – […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles - Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles – Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally

          March 6, 2026

          The moment has arrived at last for Harry Styles fans. Cool haircuts, ballet pumps, marathons, Italian cookery and an impeccably trousered appearance at the Brit Awards can all be set aside as HS4 has finally […]

          The Enemy - Social Disguises
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Enemy – Social Disguises

          March 4, 2026

          The long-dormant gears of Coventry’s favourite sons have finally ground back into motion. After the sleek, perhaps overly-polished synth-pop detour of 2015’s It’s Automatic, a record that left the band questioning their relevance and drifting […]

        • Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Y/N - Esther Yi
          Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Y/N – Esther Yi

          October 30, 2023

          K-Pop has reached an international audience. This year, BLACKPINK made history as the first K-pop band to headline a major UK festival at Hyde Park. The media’s coverage of BTS member’s enlistment into compulsory military […]

          BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes
          Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes

          August 29, 2023

          How does one become qualified to write a fictional music novel? The author of Sophomore Songs offers some clues. Growing up reading NME, doing a stint at Clash, drumming for several bands on and off, and […]

        • Classic Albums

          ‘Pop’ at 25: Looking back at the orphan child in U2's discography 2
          Classic Albums

          ‘Pop’ at 26: Looking back at the orphan child in U2’s discography

          March 3, 2022

          In March of 1997, 26 years ago, U2 released their much anticipated ninth studio album POP; for fans and critics alike, it quickly became their most polarizing release. There is a prevailing feeling that POP […]

          CLASSIC ALBUM: Duran Duran – Duran Duran 2
          Album Reviews

          CLASSIC ALBUM: Duran Duran – Duran Duran

          June 17, 2021

          This week sees the 40th anniversary of Duran Duran’s self-titled debut album. XS Noize looks back on this momentous release from a band that would become the ‘Fab Five’ of the ‘80s. It was December […]

        • Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins Unite for War Child at London’s Emerald Theatre Credit Wiktoria Wolny
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins Unite for War Child at London’s Emerald Theatre

          February 26, 2026

          In the heart of London’s Embankment, the recently opened Emerald Theatre feels part The Great Gatsby, part Emerald City — lavish, theatrical and unapologetically opulent. The room glows in rich green tones and, with its […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Of Monsters and Men Camden Roundhouse, London photos by Martin
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Of Monsters and Men Camden Roundhouse, London

          February 21, 2026

          Of Monsters and Men first broke through in 2010 after winning Músíktilraunir, Iceland’s annual Battle of the Bands. That early victory propelled the then-emerging collective onto the international stage, leading to a European Border Breakers […]

        • Round Up

          XS Noize Best Albums of 2018
          Round Up

          XS Noize Best Albums of 2018

          December 22, 2018

          2018 has been an incredible year for albums. The year saw the strongest new acts in decades release their debuts, as well as a number of alternative legends returning to top form. The world of dance […]

          The Best Of October 2018 PLAYLIST + ROUND-UP
          Round Up

          The Best Of October 2018 PLAYLIST + ROUND-UP

          October 29, 2018

          Welcome to the October 2018 edition of our monthly new music playlist, which is available to listen to and watch via YouTube. If you enjoy any of the songs featured here, we encourage you to support […]

        • In Focus

          IN FOCUS// Ash ignite La Scala with career-spanning London show Credit: Denise Esposito
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Ash ignite La Scala with career-spanning London show

          February 6, 2026

          On 3 February, Ash returned to La Scala for a blistering, high-energy London show. Packed wall to wall, the venue buzzed as the trio tore through a career-spanning set, seamlessly weaving in new material from […]

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland Credit: Becca McCaffrey
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland

          January 11, 2026

          Biffy Clyro put on a brilliant show at the 3Arena on Saturday, 10 January, delivering a set that was as heavy and intense as it was open and emotional. The sold-out Dublin crowd were treated […]

  • Gigs
        • Hans Zimmer
          Gigs

          Hans Zimmer: The ultimate fan’s guide

          August 27, 2025

          Hans Zimmer, the genius behind Hollywood’s most unforgettable scores, is back on tour with an electrifying live experience to share with his fans. From “Inception” to “Dune”, Zimmer is preparing to transform his soundscapes into […]

          Andrea Bocelli
          Gigs

          The ultimate fans guide to seeing Andrea Bocelli in Amsterdam

          August 21, 2025

          The Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, will be at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on March 29 and 30, 2026. The show will feature a mix of operatic tracks, pop songs, and classical repertoire. Bocelli is […]

          Eros Ramazzotti
          Gigs

          Eros Ramazzotti: Dates, venues, tickets and more

          August 18, 2025

          To celebrate the 40th anniversary of his breakout single, “Una Storia Importante”, Eros Ramazzotti will be performing live on some of the grandest stages across Europe, Latin America, and North America. Ramazzotti is a world-renowned […]

  • Interviews
        • Elles Bailey
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Elles Bailey on the Story Behind ‘Can’t Take My Story Away’

          March 9, 2026

          Singer-songwriter Elles Bailey released her latest album, Can’t Take My Story Away, at the beginning of this year. Produced by Luke Potashnick, the album is deeply personal and quietly powerful—rooted in resilience, reflection, and self-ownership. […]

          Jordan Anthony
          Interviews

          Jordan Anthony on “Lost In LA”, Finding His Voice in LA & Dream Tour Plans

          February 10, 2026

          He may only be 20, but Perth-born, LA-based artist Jordan Anthony already has more experience within the music industry than many might expect. He was writing songs and playing instruments before he hit double digits, […]

          TAVE
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: TAVE Talks ‘Fly Away,’ Self-Discovery, and the Art of Letting Go

          November 11, 2025

          Rising artist TAVE has had an extraordinary journey — from earning a scholarship at just 13 and performing with some of music’s biggest names to now stepping into the spotlight with his deeply personal debut […]

  • Podcast
        • Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
          Podcast

          Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274

          March 8, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with legendary U2 producer Steve Lillywhite to discuss his remarkable career working with the band and the creative process behind iconic albums including […]

          The Dream Machine
          Podcast

          “We’re Always Making Music for Ourselves” — The Dream Machine on ‘Fort Perch Rock’ | XS Noize Podcast #273

          March 4, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Zak and Matty from The Dream Machine to talk about Fort Perch Rock — the band’s third studio album and a record […]

          credit Yagub Allahverdiyev
          Podcast

          Archive’s Dave Pen on ‘Glass Minds’ and evolving after 30 years | XS Noize Podcast #272

          February 24, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Dave Pen of Archive to talk about Glass Minds — the band’s 13th studio album and a bold new chapter in a […]

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Articles by Michael Barron

Xsnoize Author
Michael Barron
Michael first began writing whilst studying at university; reviewing the latest releases and live gigs. He has since contributed to the Fortean Times as well as other publications. Michael’s musical tastes vary from Indie to psychedelic, folk and dubstep.
Website
LIVE REVIEW: Fairport Convention - Union Chapel, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Fairport Convention – Union Chapel, London

February 24, 2019 Michael Barron

Fairport Convention have had much disruption and turbulence since they began in 1967. Despite only having released one single (which didn’t even make the top 20) and only one top 10 album; Fairport Convention have […]

BOOK REVIEW: Kiss: Greatest Hits, Volume 5
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Kiss: Greatest Hits, Volume 5

February 21, 2019 Michael Barron

Kiss has released five volumes of their greatest hits, not of music, but graphic novels. Kiss has appeared in comics and graphic novels for over forty years. Their first comic book appearance was in issue […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Murray A. Lightburn - Hear Me Out
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Murray A. Lightburn – Hear Me Out

February 17, 2019 Michael Barron

Following the release of two albums in 2017: Times Infinity, Volume One and Times Infinity Volume Two; Murray A. Lightburn gave his first UK solo show at Old Church St Pancras, London. Whilst Lightburn performed […]

BOOK REVIEW: Sci-Fu by Yehudi Mercado
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Sci-Fu by Yehudi Mercado

February 16, 2019 Michael Barron

What makes a Superstar DJ? Whatever you think makes a Superstar DJ, the star of Sci-Fu, DJ Wax definitely sets the standard to new high. When your hometown of Brooklyn is at stake if you […]

WHITE LIES announce new album, 'Five', due 1st February 2019 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: White Lies – Kentish Town Forum, London

February 15, 2019 Michael Barron

To coincide with the release of their new album, Five on February 1st, 2019 via [PIAS] Recordings and a decade of their existence; White Lies have embarked on an international tour. XS Noize caught up […]

LIVE REVIEW: Enter Shikari at The Dome, London 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Enter Shikari at The Dome, London

February 14, 2019 Michael Barron

Since 2009, at around the same time as The Brit Awards, large and acclaimed artists including, Ed Sheeran, alt-J and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man have played in small, intimate venues raising vital funds and awareness […]

UNLOVED Announce details of their second album, ‘Heartbreak’ and December show at the Hoxton Hall, London.
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Unloved – ‘Heartbreak’

February 12, 2019 Michael Barron

LA/Belfast based trio, Unloved (vocalist and songwriter Jade Vincent, her partner, producer/composer Keefus Ciancia, and DJ, producer and composer David Holmes) return with Heartbreak, the follow-up to their 2016 debut, Guilty of Love. Heartbreak is […]

BOOK REVIEW: All Summer Long by Hope Larson 2
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: All Summer Long by Hope Larson

January 29, 2019 Michael Barron

In All Summer Long, music and summer are the main themes, but neither Woodstock or Bryan Adams or “69” find a home here. The latter may well be omitted because this graphic novel is aimed […]

LIVE REVIEW: Gryff Rhys In the Round, Camden Roundhouse, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Gryff Rhys In the Round, Camden Roundhouse, London

January 26, 2019 Michael Barron

Last year XS Noizereviewed the best of In the Round which saw The Levellers triumph, performing an elated acoustic rendition of their hits spanning across a career which is now over thirty years old. In […]

BOOK REVIEW: Love in Vain: Robert Johnson, 1911 – 1938  By Mezzo and J.M. Dupont 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Love in Vain: Robert Johnson, 1911 – 1938 By Mezzo and J.M. Dupont

January 24, 2019 Michael Barron

Described as “the most famous bluesman of all time”, Robert Johnson was not only the first and founding member of the “27 club” (where other famous musicians including but not limited to Kurt Cobain, Amy […]

ALBUM REVIEW: McDermott's 2 Hours vs Levellers - Besieged
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: McDermott’s 2 Hours vs Levellers – Besieged

January 21, 2019 Michael Barron

In 1986, McDermott’s 2 Hours was founded by Nick Burbridge. Two years later, The Levellers, who cite McDermott’s 2 Hours as a “major formative influence”, formed. The Levellers would cover McDermott’s 2 Hours “Dirty Davey” […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Beirut - Gallipoli
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Beirut – Gallipoli

January 17, 2019 Michael Barron

There is definitely something special about Beirut and the way frontman Zach Condon holds his band together. At just twenty years old “bloggers and industry types” had hyped his first New York show at the […]

FEATURE: The card games every music fan wants to play 1
Features

FEATURE: The card games every music fan wants to play

January 14, 2019 Michael Barron

Most of us love card games and Trump cards games. Those of us fortunate enough will have happy memories or stories from old relatives reminiscing over the halcyon days playing Happy Families and Go Fish. […]

BOOK REVIEW: SKIP TO THE END by Jeremy Holt, Alex Diotto, Renzo Podesta, Adam Wollet and Tim Daniel 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: SKIP TO THE END by Jeremy Holt, Alex Diotto, Renzo Podesta, Adam Wollet and Tim Daniel

January 11, 2019 Michael Barron

From the typeface on the front cover, the visual depictions of the members of the fictional three piece grunge band, Samsara (not to be confused with real metalcore quartet from Yuma, Arizona), the year Samsara […]

BOOK REVIEW: Tyler Cross: Black Rock By Fabien Nury and Laurence Croix
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Tyler Cross: Black Rock By Fabien Nury and Laurence Croix

December 28, 2018 Michael Barron

Several months ago XS Noize alongside Titan Comics invited readers to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of The Beatles Yellow Submarine film by giving a guided tour of the graphic novel by Bill Morrison (The Simpsons). […]

BOOK REVIEW: Reckless Life: Guns N' Roses - A Graphic Novel
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Reckless Life: Guns N’ Roses – A Graphic Novel

December 10, 2018 Michael Barron

It is hard to believe that the Guns N’ Roses (at least Axl) comeback album which took almost fifteen years to complete, Chinese Democracy, is actually ten years old! Through Omnibus Press, XS Noize are […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Boy Least Likely To, Rough Trade East, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Boy Least Likely To, Rough Trade East, London

December 9, 2018 Michael Barron

Although there is undeniably a significant instant popelement (with a slice of cheese) in The Boy Least Likely To’s sound; there is also something, unique, quirky and innovative to their musical formula qualifying them as […]

BOOK REVIEW: Godspeed: The Kurt Cobain Graphic Novel
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Godspeed: The Kurt Cobain Graphic Novel

December 2, 2018 Michael Barron

To coincide with the twenty-fifth anniversary since the release of Nirvana’s final studio album In Utero, XS Noize is paying homage to Nirvana’s frontman Kurt Cobain by reviewing the far too short (just twenty-seven years) […]

LIVE REVIEW: Tom Baxter at the Union Chapel, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Tom Baxter at the Union Chapel, London

November 7, 2018 Michael Barron

Despite not having a top 40 single or a top 10 album to his name or a name that comes to mind concerning a household name; Tom Baxter’s most well-known track “Better” featured on the […]

ASH Share performances from the BBC Biggest Weekend with The Undertones’ Damien O’Neill & Mickey Bradley
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Ash – Kentish Town Forum, London

October 25, 2018 Michael Barron

Following the release of their latest album, Islands, back in May, Ash embarked upon a UK tour of this album. XS Noize was invited to see the now three-piece from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland plug their […]

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